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Reducing Your Risk for Lymphedema After Breast Surgery

After breast surgery, fluid may collect and cause swelling in the arm on the side of your surgery. This is called lymphedema. It occurs after lymph nodes under the arm are removed or the underarm area is treated with radiation therapy. The normal flow of fluids in the arm is then reduced. To help make developing lymphedema less likely, follow the tips on this handout.

Be sure to have blood drawn only from the non-affected arm (except in the case of an emergency).

Avoid excess use of the affected arm

Carry purses and heavy packages with the arm on your non-operated side.

Don’t avoid using your affected arm. Use it to do light tasks such as dusting, writing, and weeding.

Build strength in the affected arm with gentle moves such as making a fist.

Keep fluid moving to prevent swelling

If at all possible, don't let anyone draw blood from your affected arm. Do not have injections or blood pressure tests on that arm.